On the Coast – Families Issue 100 I June/July 2019 | Page 12

A L K I R A E A R LY L E A R N I N G C E N T R E
A Sense of Belonging
A deep sense of belonging is an essential
need of all humans. It is this sense
of belonging which motivates us to
engage positively in social interactions
and creates the desire to develop long
term attachments and relationships
with others. Children’s innate need
to belong is strongly emphasised by
social psychologists and recognised
widely as a platform for understanding
social behaviour. Research shows that
children who feel a sense of belonging
experience overall positive wellbeing
and mental health, have less anxiety
and fewer behavioural issues, have
better self-esteem and are more resilient
(McLaughlin & Clarke, 2010). Children’s
strong attachments to adults who care
for them directly correlates with their
engagement in learning.
Belonging is a fundamental theme in
the Early Years Learning Framework,
which guides educators’ pedagogy
and curriculum decision-making.
“Experiencing belonging – knowing where
and with whom you belong – is integral to
human existence. Children belong first to a
family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood
and a wider community” (Early Years
Learning Framework, 2009, P.7). Alkira
Early Learning Centre is proud to be
a community that provides a sense
of belonging for young children and
their families. For many children,
Early Childhood Education is their
first experience in care away from
their families. It is crucial that a sense
of belonging is promoted consistently
throughout a child’s time in care and
beyond, starting from a smooth and
positive transition into an unfamiliar
environment.
At Alkira ELC, we recognise and value
the importance of children developing
a sense of belonging and foster this
through a range of mindful experiences.
Educators understand that children need
to feel that they are heard, accepted,
and can have their needs met by those
who care for them. It is important that
children’s interests are incorporated
into their room especially as they begin
their journey in to Early Childhood
Education. At Alkira ELC this is done
by having initial discussions with
families during the orientation process
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O N T H E C OA S T – FAM ILIES
their environment and
the endless possibilities for
learning. We strongly value
the importance of building
partnerships with families,
working in collaboration
with parents and carers
to meet the individual
needs of children. This
includes adopting familiar
home and sleep routines
and maintaining constant
communication and updates
to families. Our curriculum
is sensitive and responsive
to children as individuals,
allowing us to best support
their growing sense of
belonging.
Children thrive when
adults who care for them
provide nurturing and
meaningful interactions
where they feel safe, valued
to discover and then integrate
those familiar interests into
their room environment
enabling a smoother transition.
Children learn best when
experiences are authentic
and meaningful to them. The
outdoor environment at Alkira
ELC also promotes a sense
of community as our shared
play space allows children of
all ages to interact with each
other, giving children the
opportunity to engage with
their siblings, cousins and
family friends. This space
supports children’s growing
relationships, fundamental
for their developing sense of
belonging.
Educators at Alkira ELC
foster a community built on
positive relationships and
feelings of connectedness. Children
develop secure attachments with their
educators who spend quality time getting
to know them and building their trust.
Our educators believe in providing the
time and space that children need to
settle into the daily rhythm, feeling safe
and supported to confidently embrace
and connected. “When children have
positive experiences, they develop an
understanding of themselves as significant
and respected, and feel a sense of belonging”
(EYLF, 2009, P.23).
Brodie – Early Childhood Teacher
Alkira Early Learning Centre